Study shows economic impact of Fremantle port

9/10/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today a joint study had shown that the Port of Fremantle was a more significant source of economic activity than previously thought.

The study - by the Fremantle Port Authority and Fremantle City Council - identified that the port generated more than 10,200 jobs and contributed more than $270 million annually to the local economy from commercial shipping activity.

"This is a dramatic impact in economic terms," Mr Charlton said.

"And the projections are for the port to have an even greater economic effect in the future.

"I think Western Australians have always been aware of the influence of the port on Fremantle, but until this study we had not known the enormity of the impact of port operations in hard economic terms."

The number of jobs generated by the port, mostly in the private sector, accounted for 1.2 per cent of Western Australia's total employment.

Mr Charlton said current efficiencies being pursued in the operations of the Fremantle Port Authority would encourage increased trade.

The Minister said that as trade levels grew, so too would the significance of the income and employment it would generate.

"For example, container movements through Fremantle are expected to rise to 400,000 per year by 2020, creating 1,000 additional jobs," he said.

"The growth in income generated would be in the same order - about 10 per cent.

"The significance of these figures lies in their contribution to our planning for Fremantle and surrounding regions.

"By knowing exactly how important the port is as a source of economic activity, we are able to better judge issues affecting its operations.

"Successful port planning suggests finding ways to ensure the maintenance of these beneficial aspects of economic activity, without any adverse impact on the surrounding community.

"The results of this study will make it easier to achieve that balance."

Mr Charlton said that, in addition to economic activity associated with commercial shipping at Fremantle, there were significant benefits generated by non-trading vessels visiting the port such as naval ships and passenger vessels.

Naval personnel spent about $60 million per year while visiting WA.

Media contact: Dean Roberts 321 7333 or 222 9595